In healthcare there is no doubt that mental skills are a must requirement to deal with the pressures of the job.
The workplace often is under pressure to deliver best practice, which, at times, can be compromised by fatigue, peer pressure and uncertainty as to what is the best for the situation on hand.
This makes it a clear case to include mental skills training as an important aspect of any curricula within the medical field. Just mention one basic requirement is the ability to self-assess, or to even know when to self-assess.
When addressing mental challenges often we find anxiety and subsequent depression may present as common manifestations.
Such challenges can have a complex and underlying condition which, were the individual aware of recognition and initial techniques to self help, could have been avoided or given the clarity to seek further professional help
Fear of failure and guilt complexes often result in unhelpful attitudes and actions, creating a toxic environment where, at times, competent medical professionals see no other way then to grin and bear, or in worst case scenario see no other option than to leave their jobs.
By developing skills and techniques as how these conditions may be managed there is no doubt that it is not only about self-care but also care for colleagues and patients.
The understanding and appreciation of our emotional and mental wellbeing is of the essence. Including skills, tools and techniques in the CME learning pathway would help to improve workplace culture and individual wellbeing.
Whilst mentors, managers and the institution are there to guide and assist, accessing this support often gets forgotten or may not even be available in that depth of understanding.
With mental health being high on the agenda of the community in general and in many organizations, the mental skill set is important for the practitioner, patient and the sector as a whole and will help as an important attribute in managing performance during the busy schedules in the healthcare workplace.
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